Great Getaways

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Galapagos

A Blue-Footed Booby prefers the sea to land

No matter what you think of Charles Darwin, we bet you’ll love exploring the Galapagos Islands! Here you’ll find islands virtually untouched by civilization, species of animals unique to this area, and you can even send a postcard the way sailors did centuries ago (the post office barrel on Floreana).

Most people prefer to explore the Galapagos via expedition ship and for the landlubber there are a few home rentals available that offer day trips to neighboring islands. Guides are a necessity—the Galapagos aren’t a do-it-yourself destination.

Lonesome George is the last of his species!

Did you know:

Galapagos guides are ranked 1, 2, or 3. Level 2 requires a “background” in biology while Level 3 is only for those who majored in biology, speak English, Spanish, French, and usually German.

Charles Darwin had to be interviewed by Robert FitzRoy, the captain of the HMS Beagle prior to being allowed to sail to the Galapagos. FitzRoy almost refused Darwin as the ship’s naturalist because the captain worried that a person with such a big nose (Darwin) may not be of good character!

You can meet the famous Pinta Island Tortoise, Solitario Jorge (Lonesome George) at the Darwin Research Station and learn about his unsuccessful mating attempts. Isn’t there a match.com for tortoises?

The Blue-footed Booby (named after the Spanish “Bobo” for “fool” or “clown”) is like many marine birds and is rather clumsy on land. In fact, the only reason the blue-footed booby is on land is to breed.

Some companies use confusing terms in their Galapagos brochures so be sure to ask exactly what the “tour leader” does. Some “leaders” aren’t even aboard the ship!

Do: Go with curiosity, lots of film, or space on your digital camera.

Do: Respect the environment and “take only photos and leave only footprints” (no sand, shells, etc. for souvenirs!)